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Loved one's overdose death leads source to help break up Central Florida drugs, weapons operation

TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Two people were arrested at Vacation Villas Resort in Titusville Wednesday on drugs and weapons charges after an investigation that started in mid-March, officials said.

A paid confidential source who told investigators he/she wanted to help capture drug dealers in Brevard County after a family member died of an overdose, was crucial to the investigation, a federal criminal complaint said.

U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and Brevard County deputies raided the resort Wednesday and took the men into custody.

The investigation started on March 17 after an Orange County Sheriff’s Office undercover narcotics agent reported Dickerson, a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms and drugs, the complaint said.

Using the confidential source as a go-between, the undercover agent arranged to purchase multiple firearms and drugs for $4,500, investigators said.

The transaction was conducted in the parking garage of a hotel on International Drive, the federal complaint said.

Of the seven firearms purchased by the undercover agent, three were stolen, investigators said.

In other, subsequent transactions, the undercover agent purchased additional weapons, ammunition, magazines, drugs and, on one occasion, a bulletproof vest, the complaint said.

Guests at Vacation Villas Resort were startled by the arrests Wednesday.

“We heard the boom when they walked through the door,” Cindy Bartlett said. “A bunch of officers (were) coming up the stairs, a bunch of officers, and then I saw a few people walk out.”

Stacy Collins was doing laundry when deputies and agents arrived to make the arrests, and while the situation was unsettling, it definitely made her visit to Titusville more interesting.

“We’re vacationing,” she said. “Now we have a good story to tell everybody.”

Dickerson and Heineman were both charged with federal conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of controlled substances.

Dickerson was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.